Hong Kong’s first adult expo suffers a premature ending as Japanese AV stars barred at airport

Promotional material shows the lineup for the cancelled Mega Fans Expo 2026, which was scheduled to run at the Regal Airport Hotel in Hong Kong. — Pic via Mega Fans Expo

By Malay Mail

First Published: Thursday, 12 Nov 2026 9:10 AM MYT

HONG KONG, Nov 12 — A major adult entertainment convention promoted as the first of its kind in Hong Kong has abruptly collapsed after immigration authorities turned away nearly 30 Japanese adult-video (AV) performers at Hong Kong International Airport.

Organisers behind the “Mega Fans Expo 2026” announced yesterday that the entire three-day showcase, scheduled to run from Friday to Sunday at the Regal Airport Hotel, had been called off alongside a Thursday preview session.

While the official statement offered no formal explanation for the sudden shutdown, organisers noted that refund procedures would follow via official channels.

The event unravelled barely 48 hours before doors were set to open, as headline performers landed in the city only to be intercepted by border control and placed on return flights to Japan, according to SCMP.

Among the nearly 30 invited guests, which included Hibiki Otsuki, Rena Miyashita, and Hikari Aozora, several took to social media to share their disbelief.

Otsuki said that despite securing valid entry paperwork beforehand, immigration officers rejected her manager, production crew, and travelling co-stars upon arrival.

“This is the first time something like this has happened; I was shocked,” she wrote, describing the deportation as a baffling ordeal with no justification provided by border officials.

Miyashita similarly confirmed to fans online that the entire Japanese contingent faced immediate repatriation.

Veteran star Yui Hatano, slated to host the expo as master of ceremonies alongside legendary co-host Taka Kato, also confirmed her sudden return to Tokyo, apologising to fans who had gathered at the airport and across the territory.

“To everyone who was looking forward to this, I am truly sorry that things ended up turning out this way,” Hatano said.

The mass refusal has left thousands of ticket buyers stranded, especially fans who spent heavily on premium add-ons. VIP experiences included official handprint packages selling for up to HK2,580 (RM1,470)

Under Hong Kong immigration law, visitors admitted under standard tourist entry are strictly prohibited from taking up employment, whether paid or unpaid.

Commercial appearances, ticketed stage shows, and paid meet-and-greet sessions generally require specific employment visas or performance permits approved prior to travel.

While visa exemption arrangements apply to short-term Japanese visitors, immigration officers hold discretionary authority to question incoming travellers and deny entry if their declared travel purpose conflicts with their actual scheduled activities in the city.